The cost of a golf membership

Many golfers, when trying to work out whether they should take up a membership, refer to the cost and how frequently they play. They do a quick calculation:

Membership fee ÷ expected number of rounds played = average price per round

If this average price is cheaper than a green fee they will more than likely take up a membership at that club. This is obviously important as if you only play a handful of times, it would be cheaper for you not to be a member.

However, what some golfers forget to calculate are the benefits you also receive with your membership. Some benefits have cost savings attached to them, whereas others are ‘nice to haves’.

Do you need a handicap to play in golf competitions?

The first couple of benefits which spring to mind are being able to maintain a handicap and play in club competitions. These benefits are a standard offering across most golf clubs. Despite what people think, these two benefits aren’t always the most important.

So, what other benefits can a golfer expect when taking out a membership?

• Percentage off discount in the bar for food and drinks
• A longer booking window to secure your tee time
• Access to reciprocal rates at other golf courses
• Member prices in the pro shop
• Opportunity to bring non-members at a members’ guest fee
• Invites to member social events

Making new friends on the golf course

If you’re new to an area, the opportunity to meet other golfers is a huge benefit. Golf is a game to be enjoyed with others. By being a member at a golf club, you get the opportunity to meet other people. If you’re a slightly reserved character, you will always have golf to talk about. 

Of course, you don’t just need to be a member to meet other golfers, but it can help.

Play as many holes as you like

Arguably, this is one of the biggest benefits golfers forget about. Imagine that tough day at work. You’re stressed, but the sun is shining. You just want to get out for an hour and hit some balls. 

By being a member, you can just turn up (tee sheet availability depending) and just play a few holes and relax. You couldn’t do this as a green fee player. Well, you could, but you would be charged the full rate.

So the opportunity to get out and play, when you like, for as long as you like, shouldn’t be taken for granted.

Different types of membership

A lot of golf clubs nowadays offer different membership categories. Below are a variety of options you might find at a golf club:

• Full unrestricted 7-day
• Restricted 7-day (able to play after a certain time at weekends)
• 5-day (able to play Monday-Friday)
• Intermediate (aged categories, somewhere between 25-40)
• Flexible (points-based – points vary depending on when you play)
• Ladies
• Junior

At Gaudet Luce, we’re unique and even off a membership which doesn’t include the winter!

Depending on when you’re looking to play and how often will determine which category suits you best.

Is a membership right for me?

Only you will know if a membership is right for you. Whilst we understand the price is going to be a large factor. We do also urge you to consider all of the added benefits when weighing up your decision.